Offspring, The - Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace

[Chris Fallon]

The Offspring - Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace
Record Label: Columbia
Release Date: June 17, 2008

There is a certain whiff of familiarity that exudes from Orange County punk rock veterans The Offspring and their most recent effort, Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace. The distinct and capricious vocal harmonies of front man Dexter Holland, the three-chord punch of lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman and the smooth, fast-driving bass lines from Greg Kriesel; like Pavlov's dog, their blend of SoCal skate punk and modern rock ring a certain bell within all of us as one of the most successful, seasoned bands who is oftentimes lost amongst the crowd. Best known for their novelty tracks such as "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)," "Hit That," and "Self-Esteem," it has been nearly five years since their last major release of all-new material.

As quiet as The Offspring have remained this past decade compared to their 90's contemporaries Foo Fighters and Green Day, the band has been working feverishly with producer Bob Rock (Metallica, Motley Crue, Simple Plan) for the past two years on Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace, a disc that thoroughly combines familiar melodies with anthems concerning the same course of lyrical imagery the band has tinkered with since their initial inception in the late 1980's.

Rock's meat-and-potatoes style of producing doesn't offer much more than a larger scope of sound for the band. Juggernaut lead single "Hammerhead" rips through its nearly five-minute length, yet still sounds too long. "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid" exhibits shades of Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer," incorporating dance-floor grooves to punk rock territory, while "Fix You" goes where no other Offspring song has truly gone before: the ballad zone. The song plays as nice-guy sequel to "She's Got Issues," from 1998's Americana, taking an even slower course-of-action that "Gone Away" (the only other song they have written that resembles an honest-to-God ballad) had. The lyrics tell of a girl from a broken home, with Holland achingly crying out, "I wish I could heal you / And I wish you could heal me," coming to grips with his own flaws while wishing he could fix her own. While it's not quite the style of music fans have associated them with, it works better than expected; Holland takes a cue from Dave Grohl and Billie Joe Armstrong by adjusting his dynamic vocals a few octaves to fit the piano-layered verses. Keeping in line with the Green Day references, Holland anxiously belts out what sounds like a leftover song from the American Idiot sessions with second-single "Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?" The song suffers from the same head-scratching rationale "Fix You" does as it doesn't necessarily fit the band who has pigeonholed themselves after eight studio releases.

While it is increasingly evident the band is slowly going the way of the buffalo (in this case, buffalo meaning the contemporaries previously mentioned), The Offspring refuse to let go of their past sound, etching many new songs from the foundations of older ones. "Nothingtown" is basically "Want You Bad" sung at mid-tempo and "Trust In You" starts out much like "Smash," the title track from the band's 1994 landmark success. Holland continues to have a knack for smart-ass tongue-in-cheek songs about "shit [being] fucked" ("Stuff Is Messed Up") and the band as a whole is obviously enjoying themselves (as is showcased on the Goldfinger-ish "Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom"), however, this group of talented individuals cannot decide which way to go: arena-sized punk rock, a la Green Day or stick-to-your-roots SoCal punk rock, a la Pennywise.

The album has nothing inherently wrong about it. Plain and simple, it's a predictable record that has nothing fresh to give its audience. After a five year period of no new material, it's nice to hear from an old friend but eventually, you realize that not a whole lot has truly changed and it's clear why you forget about them over time in the first place.

New-millennium Offspring, Alkaline Trio's Crimson, Pennywise's Reason To Believe, Sum 41's Underclass Hero.
1. Half-Truism
2. Trust In You
3. You're Gonna Go Far, Kid
4. Hammerhead
5. A Lot Like Me
6. Takes Me Nowhere
7. Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?
8. Nothingtown
9. Stuff Is Messed Up
10. Fix You
11. Let's Hear It For Rock Bottom
12. Rise And Fall
13. O.C. Life (Japanese Bonus Track)
Dexter Holland: lead vocals/rhythm guitar
Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman: lead guitar
Greg Kriesel: bass
Josh Freese: drums (recorded); Pete Parada: drums (tour)

Producer: Bob Rock

Official Site (http://www.offspring.com/)
Official MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/offspring)

[Nap]

I like it. Even though it's not that awesome, still better than almost everything I listened to this year. It's more mature, there's nothing too cheesy here, really better than CO1 and Splinter.

[allhollows86]

I hate when people try to knock a band for continuing to do what they do the best. Face it most punk bands aren't trying to invent the wheel, and become all experimental. I think most just play music that they enjoy and what their core audience enjoys. Plus nobody gives the ramones and bad religion shit and most of their albums sound the same

[RockVocalPower]

Just a terribly mediocre album all-around, from the artwork (I think my middle school band's CD cover looked like that) to the boring, predictable songs.

Good review, Chris!

[Chris Fallon]

I like it. Even though it's not that awesome, still better than almost everything I listened to this year. It's more mature, there's nothing too cheesy here, really better than CO1 and Splinter.
More mature ... in spots. They still have the same sense of humor and witticisms they've always had. The band has been hinting at mature themes since Ixnay, but haven't quite fully-developed it here. I don't think it's a bad album at all, I just find it to be a bit unfocused.

I hate when people try to knock a band for continuing to do what they do the best. Face it most punk bands aren't trying to invent the wheel, and become all experimental. I think most just play music that they enjoy and what their core audience enjoys. Plus nobody gives the ramones and bad religion shit and most of their albums sound the same
Who said I was knocking the band? I don't recall ever insulting them at all. It would be one thing if The Offspring were still the same band they were when they released Ignition or Smash, but the fact is, they aren't. They've worked with producers known their their polished sound and in reality, are anything but punk these days. I'm not discrediting them because I am a longtime fan.

The Ramones got plenty of shit back in the day for ditching their rooted sound to work with Phil Spector, a producer who wanted slick-sounding records. Bad Religion were also dealt grief when they left Epitaph and signed to Atlantic, adapting a cleaner sound. Hell, up until 2003, Bad Religion weren't considered relevant anymore.

[jds10912]

i really like 'you're gonna go far kid'
solid album overall

[allhollows86]

More mature ... in spots. They still have the same sense of humor and witticisms they've always had. The band has been hinting at mature themes since Ixnay, but haven't quite fully-developed it here. I don't think it's a bad album at all, I just find it to be a bit unfocused.


Who said I was knocking the band? I don't recall ever insulting them at all. It would be one thing if The Offspring were still the same band they were when they released Ignition or Smash, but the fact is, they aren't. They've worked with producers known their their polished sound and in reality, are anything but punk these days. I'm not discrediting them because I am a longtime fan.

The Ramones got plenty of shit back in the day for ditching their rooted sound to work with Phil Spector, a producer who wanted slick-sounding records. Bad Religion were also dealt grief when they left Epitaph and signed to Atlantic, adapting a cleaner sound. Hell, up until 2003, Bad Religion weren't considered relevant anymore.


I was talking in general not about your review, Theres already been a few reviews that were doing this. also im talking about how fans today look at the ramones and bad religion, not about the fans back in the day.........Which was a Wednesday if anyone one wanted to know.

[doritoz]

If you were to listen to "A lot like me" I bet no one would recognize the intro as an offspring song.

[RetardedInLove]

I can't wait for this album. The Offspring were the first band that I ever liked and without them I probably wouldn't like music. No matter what they put out I will always buy it and give it a listen. Listening to these guys brings back so many memories.

[againtocarthage]

Wow this review is a pile of garbage and that is being polite about it. In fact this is one of the worst reviews I have read on this site since my stay here since 2005. (Even the reader reviews nearly 85% in contrast to your lackluster score tells you the majority disagree with your review.)

This is the first Offspring album I have enjoyed thoroughly in a long time. I am not even an huge Offspring fan (just a casual listener of them,) but now this album has made me one.

You rip on Hammerhead (4:38 in length BTW) and the second part of the song sounds totally different. Its a face melter, as if the first half didnt melt your face enough.

If you wanna talk about a long song, Death Cabs "I will posses your heart," the piano intro was quite unnecessary to make that long, especially if it was going to repeat over and over. Not only does that song repeat musically, lyrically as well. Hammerhead is different, and is not even that long.

As Matt Embree of RX Bandits once said in an interview (paraphrasing here) "People now days are too caught up with three minute pop songs, and they all follow the same formula."

I personally do not know what is wrong with hammerhead, because the pace, beat, and rhythm always change (Lyrics as well)

You say the band presents nothing new (despite having slow ballad songs this time around and more complex rock songs....lets just go with what you say for the sake of debate.) What did Death Cab offer us this year? Half or more of those songs could have gone on Transatlatiscm (sp?) or Plans. Or the new Coldplay, half of those songs or more once again could have been heard on their previous albums. I thoroughly enjoyed both Death Cabs and Coldplays album despite sounding the same. Perhaps bands stick with the same formula of what fans know of them, because thats who they are... THEY ARE THAT BAND. THEY MADE THEIR SOUND.

This album is a lot darker and not as upbeat as prior efforts. Compare some of their hit singles such as "Original Prankster," "Hit That," "Pretty Fly (for a white guy)", and "Why dont you get a job." Nothing on this album sounds ANYTHING like those songs. Those songs were more pop rock, then the rock tunes of RAFRAG.

So if you are going to put YOUR BIAS in, just because an album presents nothing new, don't let that affect your review.

One last thing, you say the band doesnt know where the band is headed because of difference in songs. The first half of the album(Rise/Rage, get it just like the title??) is hard, heavy, fast in your face rock. The last half (Fall/Grace/Graceful) is a bit more mellow, and paced.

[Chris Fallon]

Wow this review is a pile of garbage and that is being polite about it. In fact this is one of the worst reviews I have read on this site since my stay here since 2005. (Even the reader reviews nearly 85% in contrast to your lackluster score tells you the majority disagree with your review.)

This is the first Offspring album I have enjoyed thoroughly in a long time. I am not even an huge Offspring fan (just a casual listener of them,) but now this album has made me one.

You rip on Hammerhead (4:38 in length BTW) and the second part of the song sounds totally different. Its a face melter, as if the first half didnt melt your face enough.

If you wanna talk about a long song, Death Cabs "I will posses your heart," the piano intro was quite unnecessary to make that long, especially if it was going to repeat over and over. Not only does that song repeat musically, lyrically as well. Hammerhead is different, and is not even that long.

As Matt Embree of RX Bandits once said in an interview (paraphrasing here) "People now days are too caught up with three minute pop songs, and they all follow the same formula."

I personally do not know what is wrong with hammerhead, because the pace, beat, and rhythm always change (Lyrics as well)

You say the band presents nothing new (despite having slow ballad songs this time around and more complex rock songs....lets just go with what you say for the sake of debate.) What did Death Cab offer us this year? Half or more of those songs could have gone on Transatlatiscm (sp?) or Plans. Or the new Coldplay, half of those songs or more once again could have been heard on their previous albums. I thoroughly enjoyed both Death Cabs and Coldplays album despite sounding the same. Perhaps bands stick with the same formula of what fans know of them, because thats who they are... THEY ARE THAT BAND. THEY MADE THEIR SOUND.

This album is a lot darker and not as upbeat as prior efforts. Compare some of their hit singles such as "Original Prankster," "Hit That," "Pretty Fly (for a white guy)", and "Why dont you get a job." Nothing on this album sounds ANYTHING like those songs. Those songs were more pop rock, then the rock tunes of RAFRAG.

So if you are going to put YOUR BIAS in, just because an album presents nothing new, don't let that affect your review.

One last thing, you say the band doesnt know where the band is headed because of difference in songs. The first half of the album(Rise/Rage, get it just like the title??) is hard, heavy, fast in your face rock. The last half (Fall/Grace/Graceful) is a bit more mellow, and paced.
tl;dr

If you're going to tell me I'm wrong for "ripping" on this band, your argument would hold a lot more water if you remained mature about it. Don't walk in here acting like you know a fucking thing about my intentions - I am an Offspring fan. I have been a fan of this band since I was introduced to Smash in 1995, so patronizing me and claiming my review - a fair review that is far from insulting, ripping or whatever you claim I am doing - says the record sucks is unjust and you need to reassert your opinion.

I understand what they were doing, where they are going - it just didn't work ... FOR ME. I don't even think you read what I said: you seem to have read it and been so pissed about one person's own opinion, you immediately jump on to whatever you can to stay afloat.

I said it isn't a bad album (because it isn't), it just doesn't have much to it and seems unfocused in the way the sound comes across. Sure, they are going for a darker tone - it does that in places; they offer harder material, followed by softer material - personally, I don't think it comes across as naturally as it should have. After two years of working on this disc, I don't feel this is the best material to showcase that and I don't particularly enjoy Bob Rock's production work. It is an opinion, and guess what? There is an option to review albums yourself, so go right ahead and take a shot, wiseguy. I'm only one person.

Jesus Christ, who knew this album would erupt such anger from within?

[vincent182]

Holland! Holland! :D

[againtocarthage]

tl;dr


You call yourself a reviewer? This site should be ashamed for employing you as a staff member.

I read your first sentence, I don't discuss how its wrong to rip the album. I have seen albums being "ripped," however I have no problem with that because they do not add in a bias in their review as you do.

You know what, I will not read your post either then.

If you took the time (assuming you were somewhat professional in your job duty) you would understand I make valid points that your points are all false.

[TheGuillotine]

Good review, i personally would have scored it a bit better though. Yeah its no Smash, but it is miles ahead of their last two albums.

[matt_rawlings]

"Smash" was not their debut album

[randman21]

Hey, I think this was a pretty damn good review. I'm a complete fanboy who would give the album all tens (I nearly did just now), but realistically, you were right on. My only gripe about it, which is the same gripe I've had about every review I've read so far, is that you mentioned how different several of the songs are, and then describe it as "predictable". It may just be me, but I think this whole album (except for two, I bet you could guess which) is completely different from anything they've ever done. Like, "entire different band" different. Again, though, good review.

[Gregory Robson]

Solid review Fallon. Think you summed it up quite well.
Cheers.

[reissgoespunk]

Ouch.

[ddb43]

I listened to this album twice in a row, and I thought it started out pretty solid but really dropped off quickly. The second half of the album is below mediocre. I cannot see myself enjoying any of those songs. I will give it a few more listens though. Hopefully something will click, but I doubt it. After 2 years of putting this together, I would expect more from the Offspring.

[ddb43]

Just a terribly mediocre album all-around, from the artwork (I think my middle school band's CD cover looked like that) to the boring, predictable songs.

Good review, Chris!


That artwork is absolutely terrible!! What were they thinking??

[The Revisionist]

Smash wasn't their debut.

[sell the sunris]

Yeeouch. Lots of anger here. Such goes with the territory of reviewing such mainstays, I suppose.

Ah well. I enjoyed the record. Found it fun, but nothing mind blowing. It is what it is.

[heyzombiehitler]

I've yet to hear this album, but from someone who has listened to this band for 12 years and enjoyed "Splinter" im expecting magic. Anyways, chris, my question is how does this album compare to alkaline trios "crimson"? aaaand is that bonus track on the leak that's floating around? And yes, smash is the offsprings third album. Everyone overlooks the self titled and ignition, which are both gems.

[loveisdead]

Not a bad review man. I'd say I agree with almost all of it.

[TheOtherAndrew]

Great review Chris, I liked the old friend metaphor a lot.

[itsallcalypso]

The one thing from the review that I really disagree with is calling "Self-Esteem" a novelty track in the vein of "Pretty Fly" and "Hit That." That's just wrong.

[whyte39]

good review, I'd have to agree. It isn't a bad album, but the only songs I find myself wanting to listen to are 'You're Gonna Go Far, Kid', 'Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?', and 'Stuff Is Messed Up'

[Alex Djaferis]

half good, half bad. im a little upset at the album tbh. and im a huge offspring fan.

[smelltheglove]

I agree that "self esteem" was not a novelty track like "pretty fly" or "hit that" or "original prankster" or even "why don't you get a job" but it had more of a grunge vibe than most of the more punk driven stuff on "smash", which is why it did so well as a single (it was 1994, grunge was at its peak), so the grunge-tinged "self esteem" and "gotta get away" did real well as singles verses the punk stuff they could have put out like "bad habit" or "genocide" (which, if you revist the album now, would be better singles if the album came out today).

Also, I think its funny how many 20-21 year olds listen to these dudes. Damn, you were little kids when these dudes were huge, shit, i was only 14 when "smash" came out and I'm 28! Good to see the "old shit" isn't completely lost on todays eyeliner/girl jeans "dear maria count how many times my vocals are autotuned" generation.

[loudpunkguitar]

i love this cd.
your review was on point, but i rate it a tad higher.
no hate here, haha.

[chrisstahl]

i love the offspring.

[FRoGGyFo0]

I think it was a pretty good review.... Very hard to review a band that everyone used to listen to as a play through everyday when times have changed so much. I don't think I could give Dexter a 7 for Vocals though since they are very solid as always and no way is the production a 6. Definately brings back memories of Smash on this album and I can say it was better than I expected. Shits fucked up is probably my favorite track at this point... Glad they didn't have a dumb catchy pop song as a one hit single like the last couple albums

[jbergamotto]

Also, I think its funny how many 20-21 year olds listen to these dudes. Damn, you were little kids when these dudes were huge, shit, i was only 14 when "smash" came out and I'm 28! Good to see the "old shit" isn't completely lost on todays eyeliner/girl jeans "dear maria count how many times my vocals are autotuned" generation.


Dude, that last part just made my whole afternoon haha.

I've heard bits and pieces of the new record and it was just alright for me (then again, I wasn't expecting vintage Offspring anyway). The truth of the matter is ever since Smash and Americana, I haven't been following Offspring much for the past some years. I liked how Conspriacy of One's "Living in Chaos" was different but never played out the whole album. I prob won't buy the new album but still hold a lot of respect for Offspring for their past work.

[delvec19]

Haha its funny how the only people commenting on this album are males 19 and older. Anyways I'm enjoying the album so far...its nothing special but its a ton better than most of the crap being produced today.

[itsallcalypso]

I think it's better than Splinter as a whole, although Splinter had some songs that are better than any song on this one. It's definately not up there with Ignition, Smash, or Ixnay, but it will take more time and listens to decide whether or not I like it better than Americana or CO1.

[lenard27]

The one thing from the review that I really disagree with is calling "Self-Esteem" a novelty track in the vein of "Pretty Fly" and "Hit That." That's just wrong.

I was just about to post the same thing when your post caught my eye. Self-Esteem is one of the best tracks on Smash and I would probably call it a classic song for it's genre. I still hear it on the radio from time to time. And songs I don't hear are the novelty songs. Thank God haha.

In other news, I can't wait to pick up this album. Hammerhead sounds better than all of Splinter, not that that'd be hard.

[RetardedInLove]

I agree that "self esteem" was not a novelty track like "pretty fly" or "hit that" or "original prankster" or even "why don't you get a job" but it had more of a grunge vibe than most of the more punk driven stuff on "smash", which is why it did so well as a single (it was 1994, grunge was at its peak), so the grunge-tinged "self esteem" and "gotta get away" did real well as singles verses the punk stuff they could have put out like "bad habit" or "genocide" (which, if you revist the album now, would be better singles if the album came out today).

Also, I think its funny how many 20-21 year olds listen to these dudes. Damn, you were little kids when these dudes were huge, shit, i was only 14 when "smash" came out and I'm 28! Good to see the "old shit" isn't completely lost on todays eyeliner/girl jeans "dear maria count how many times my vocals are autotuned" generation.

I disagree that "Self Esteem" sounds grunge, to me "Come Out And Play" is way more grunge sounding. And props for the All Time Low comment, I can't stand that band.

[Chris Fallon]

You call yourself a reviewer? This site should be ashamed for employing you as a staff member.

I read your first sentence, I don't discuss how its wrong to rip the album. I have seen albums being "ripped," however I have no problem with that because they do not add in a bias in their review as you do.

You know what, I will not read your post either then.

If you took the time (assuming you were somewhat professional in your job duty) you would understand I make valid points that your points are all false.
If your facts were right, I would tolerate you and say your opinion is fair. However, it isn't and you come off as a fanboy dickhead who insults me right off the bat. Why should I give you any respect, red name or not? You get uptight and upset over one review that is hardly unfair or insulting to the band. I am a longtime fan, one who has an opinion on this release just as everyone else does. I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked - sorry you don't like that, but if you're going to come out swinging, I'll treat you with the same disdain.

"Smash" was not their debut album
Thank you for catching my mistake, Matt. That is my bad - I should know since I own all their albums. Appreciated.

[Chris Fallon]

Hey, I think this was a pretty damn good review. I'm a complete fanboy who would give the album all tens (I nearly did just now), but realistically, you were right on. My only gripe about it, which is the same gripe I've had about every review I've read so far, is that you mentioned how different several of the songs are, and then describe it as "predictable". It may just be me, but I think this whole album (except for two, I bet you could guess which) is completely different from anything they've ever done. Like, "entire different band" different. Again, though, good review.
Yeah, I understand your point. To elaborate, I say predictable in the sense that many of the songs are similar to previous songs. Sometimes, after the song got into the verse, I was asking myself if they had re-recorded a song (like "Vultures" was to "Dirty Magic").

I listened to this album twice in a row, and I thought it started out pretty solid but really dropped off quickly. The second half of the album is below mediocre. I cannot see myself enjoying any of those songs. I will give it a few more listens though. Hopefully something will click, but I doubt it. After 2 years of putting this together, I would expect more from the Offspring.
Precisely. It really isn't a terrible album - I still like it, I'm just disappointed that this was the result after five years of waiting and two years of recording.

Smash wasn't their debut.
Fixed. That was my bad. Thank ya.

Yeeouch. Lots of anger here. Such goes with the territory of reviewing such mainstays, I suppose.

Ah well. I enjoyed the record. Found it fun, but nothing mind blowing. It is what it is.
Some are misinterpreting my review as hostile when it evidently is not at all. What's to be angry about? Disappointment, yes but anger? Not at all. Just because it's a lower score doesn't mean I am pissed haha

I've yet to hear this album, but from someone who has listened to this band for 12 years and enjoyed "Splinter" im expecting magic. Anyways, chris, my question is how does this album compare to alkaline trios "crimson"? aaaand is that bonus track on the leak that's floating around? And yes, smash is the offsprings third album. Everyone overlooks the self titled and ignition, which are both gems.
Love their first two albums - much rawer and full of spunk. Anyway, I relate it to Crimson for it's pop factor: it's very radio-friendly and I think would rate (at least for me) as the weakest album by the band, as Crimson is for many Alk3 fans. I liked Splinter, but it felt incomplete.

good review, I'd have to agree. It isn't a bad album, but the only songs I find myself wanting to listen to are 'You're Gonna Go Far, Kid', 'Kristy, Are You Doing Okay?', and 'Stuff Is Messed Up'
"You're Gonna Go Far, Kid" has great radio potential - like I said, reminds me of Finger Eleven's "Paralyzer"; "Kristy" is intended to be the next single, and I get a Green Day vibe from it.

I think it was a pretty good review.... Very hard to review a band that everyone used to listen to as a play through everyday when times have changed so much. I don't think I could give Dexter a 7 for Vocals though since they are very solid as always and no way is the production a 6. Definately brings back memories of Smash on this album and I can say it was better than I expected. Shits fucked up is probably my favorite track at this point... Glad they didn't have a dumb catchy pop song as a one hit single like the last couple albums
Bob Rock's production has always sounded somewhat hollow to me, and I find it distracting. While it's not shitty on the album, I was expecting it to add something to the disc, which it failed at for me. Dexter's vocals are hard to measure personally - I wanted to rate them higher, but ... they can be a little aggravating on this release after a while.

[lenard27]

If your facts were right, I would tolerate you and say your opinion is fair. However, it isn't and you come off as a fanboy dickhead who insults me right off the bat. Why should I give you any respect, red name or not? You get uptight and upset over one review that is hardly unfair or insulting to the band. I am a longtime fan, one who has an opinion on this release just as everyone else does. I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked - sorry you don't like that, but if you're going to come out swinging, I'll treat you with the same disdain.


Thank you for catching my mistake, Matt. That is my bad - I should know since I own all their albums. Appreciated.

Nice reference to Conspiracy of One. I know I'm in the minority opinion on this one but Conspiracy is my favorite Offspring album. For those curious, Smash is an extremely close second.

[ZeoVGM]

Honestly, this is a pretty iffy review. It's not a 90%+ album, but it's absolutely a 75%-85% album.

This is easily their best effort since Americana. It's just incredibly solid from start to finish.

While you won't listen to it and go "wow, Offspring grew up", this album is actually very fresh compared to today's pop punk music, which is very whiny and more pop than punk. And there's nothing wrong with that, but it makes this album stand out a little more. Though "A Lot Like Me" and "Kristy" are nice sounds that I haven't heard that often from the band.

And I take offense to the recommendation of the last Sum 41 album if people like this. Underclass Hero isn't even a case of a band staying the same, but they went backwards in a very bad way with that album.

[Broden Terry]

Chris,
Unlike some others on this forum, i have to agree with your review. It was very well written and you've explained exactly what you thought was good and bad about the album, i thought it was constructive criticism rather than negative bias. After all, you said yourself that you're an Offspring fan.
I'm not that big on The Offspring, bought a few of their albums (Americana, Conspiracy Of One) and whilst i like the sense of humor and music, i couldn't really relate to Holland's vocals which made it hard to relate to Offspring's albums in general.

After a spin through, i'm liking what i'm hearing. They've improved but still haven't won me over with this effort.
Again, great review.

[Ouch]

This is their best since Ixnay.

[CellarGhosts]

I love when idiots say a review is "garbage" just because it doesn't give the album the score they think it deserves.

Anywho, good review, Chris #1. Never really was into the Offspring but I've always enjoyed them from time to time, so I may give this a listen, just to see what it does for me.

[smelltheglove]

I disagree that "Self Esteem" sounds grunge, to me "Come Out And Play" is way more grunge sounding. And props for the All Time Low comment, I can't stand that band.

I don't know man, that chorus riff to "self esteem" is pretty similar to the main riff for "smells like teen spirit" crossed with Bush's "little things" main riff. I'd say go listen to them and compare but I wouldn't recommend anyone listen to Bush anytime soon.

[Paulb-182]

"while "Fix You" goes where no other Offspring song has truly gone before: the ballad zone"

dont know if anyones mentioned this but i'd say 'denial, revisited' would be an all out offspring ballad aswell :-)

[matt_rawlings]

Thank you for catching my mistake, Matt. That is my bad - I should know since I own all their albums. Appreciated.

Don't mention it son.


Currently, I am 'Dressed in black like Johnny Cash' and feeling the fuck out of your sweet Joey Cape avatar

[TomAce]

You call yourself a reviewer? This site should be ashamed for employing you as a staff member.

I read your first sentence, I don't discuss how its wrong to rip the album. I have seen albums being "ripped," however I have no problem with that because they do not add in a bias in their review as you do.

You know what, I will not read your post either then.

If you took the time (assuming you were somewhat professional in your job duty) you would understand I make valid points that your points are all false.

Jesus Christ, will you please shut the fuck up!? The kid only expressed his fucking opinion. You wanna pick a fight? Get off the computer and go get your ass kicked.

P.S.

Offspring were never a great band. They always sucked live, and haven't come up with a good album in over a DECADE. Ten years without a decent product means its time to roll out the greatest hits, and park the tour bus in Florida.

[jim109109]

Some people whine because this album is too different from their others ones, then I stumble upon this review telling me that RAFRAG is too SIMILAR to The Offspring's older material. What the fuck? The stupidity of modern society is overwhelming.

Anyway, I don't really give a shit about this obviously biased review. I've listened to every Offspring album, and Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace is their fourth best one, after Smash, Ignition and Ixnay on the Hombre. It's even better than Americana and Conspiracy of One, which were great albums.

Considering the users rated this album 85%, we can tell there was a major lack of judgement by the reviewer. Therefore, keep your own opinion and don't get influenced by this moronic album review.

[jim109109]

Jesus Christ, will you please shut the fuck up!? The kid only expressed his fucking opinion. You wanna pick a fight? Get off the computer and go get your ass kicked.

P.S.

Offspring were never a great band. They always sucked live, and haven't come up with a good album in over a DECADE. Ten years without a decent product means its time to roll out the greatest hits, and park the tour bus in Florida.

You can usually tell who the asslickers which run around a website making posts agreeing with whatever the mods say are by the amount of posts they have made.

"P.S"

They never sucked live, in fact their live performances are nearly as good as the album version of the song. Shut the fuck up if you don't know what you're talking about.

[Jen2]

I like this album, it's better than their last few CD's. Still it's no Smash, but I'm happy that it's something I could actually listen to.

[hockeyguitar99]

I just got the album and I really like it. Favorite song is definitely Your Gonna Go Far, Kid

[hockeyguitar99]

You call yourself a reviewer? This site should be ashamed for employing you as a staff member.

I read your first sentence, I don't discuss how its wrong to rip the album. I have seen albums being "ripped," however I have no problem with that because they do not add in a bias in their review as you do.

You know what, I will not read your post either then.

If you took the time (assuming you were somewhat professional in your job duty) you would understand I make valid points that your points are all false.

except your flat out wrong. It's an opinion, if you disagree, then fine, but you should probably learn how to handle things maturely before you deal with others.

[RetardedInLove]

After hearing the album I have to say that I am severely disappointed by it. I don't mind the change in sound, I think every band deserves to experiment with different sounds, just as long as the end result is good.

The thing that really bugs me about this album is the fact that it sounds so uninspired. Even on the "fast punk rock" songs, Dexter's vocals just sound lazy. Instead of having the passion in his voice of past releases, he just sounds like he doesn't care anymore.

In the end, the songs are just too predictable to do anything for me. It really pains me to say this because of the sentimental value this band holds for me, but I don't like this album at all. Once it was over I had no desire to play it again.

[Chris Fallon]

After hearing the album I have to say that I am severely disappointed by it. I don't mind the change in sound, I think every band deserves to experiment with different sounds, just as long as the end result is good.

The thing that really bugs me about this album is the fact that it sounds so uninspired. Even on the "fast punk rock" songs, Dexter's vocals just sound lazy. Instead of having the passion in his voice of past releases, he just sounds like he doesn't care anymore.

In the end, the songs are just too predictable to do anything for me. It really pains me to say this because of the sentimental value this band holds for me, but I don't like this album at all. Once it was over I had no desire to play it again.
Exactly what I was trying to say - that is the exact feeling I get from the album. Sure, I could listen to it if it was on, but unless all my Offspring albums are on a constant stream, I doubt I'd select it by choice.

[Chris Fallon]

Some people whine because this album is too different from their others ones, then I stumble upon this review telling me that RAFRAG is too SIMILAR to The Offspring's older material. What the fuck? The stupidity of modern society is overwhelming.

Anyway, I don't really give a shit about this obviously biased review. I've listened to every Offspring album, and Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace is their fourth best one, after Smash, Ignition and Ixnay on the Hombre. It's even better than Americana and Conspiracy of One, which were great albums.

Considering the users rated this album 85%, we can tell there was a major lack of judgement by the reviewer. Therefore, keep your own opinion and don't get influenced by this moronic album review.
It's an opinion. My opinion. Don't like it? Fine, that's great. But where the fuck do you get off calling it "moronic"? Everything in the above quote from you is completely wrong and ill-advised. How am I biased? Dude, I can't tell you how many times I quoted others saying I have been a huge fan of this band for 12 years! Biased in what regard? That I like them more than a lot of others?

You are 17, your opinion on this album means nothing to me. I was listening to this band when they were just getting big and you were still nibbling at your mom's teet. Don't try to come off as a smug prick who thinks his opinion is more valid and that you speak for some majority.

[AShannon04]

This album surprised the hell out of me, in the best way possible. I've been a huge fan of the Offspring ever since I heard Smash (it was one of the first albums I ever bought), and I think this album brings them back to their older material. I didn't like Conspiracy of One or Splinter, mainly for their gimmicky novelty songs, but this album is fucking great.

[coltenTALK]

I love this album.

[W.Axl Rose]

Half-Truism-10/10-Great,fast catchy punk.Would be great to open the shows with.

Trust In You-9/10-Old School!Would fit in nicely on Smash or Ixnay.

YGGFK-10/10-Definite third single material, very catchy, just gonna have to edit the dance fucker dance- And no one really knew-It was really only you-LOVE that part.

Hammerhead-9/10-Too long my ass! Reminds me of when All I Want was the first single from Ixnay.Very ballsy single.

A Lot Like Me-10/10-A great song that builds.Love the lyrics.Awesome vox by Dexter.

Takes Me Nowhere-9/10-Should be a fun singalong in concert,

Kristy,Are You Doing OK? -11/10 My favorite song on the album.Beautiful lyrics and melody.Should be huge.

Nothing Town-9/10-Catchy,fun song.

Stuff is messed up-10/10-This rocks.LA NA NA NA-I Dont know too much but I know this shit is fucked up!

Fix You-10/10-Great slow song with meaningful lyrics. Ha la la la la-She sees a million stars like holes in the sky.All Gods tears for her they cryAnd I am in her rain

Lets hear it for rock bottom-10/10-Wasting all my days /All in all its not so bad.

Rise and fall-10/10-Green day my ass!

Enough hardcore punk rockers om here for the diehards.With a few punk ballads thrown in for good measure!

A+=My favorite since Americana. Now lets not pull a Def Leppard and take 5 years between albums, thanks!!

[Chris Fallon]

And they said my review was bad...

[gravitywinsagn]

way better than splinter, for me.

[PaperTigersHam]

i love this cd, one of the best cds ive heard this year

[sell the sunris]

Some are misinterpreting my review as hostile when it evidently is not at all. What's to be angry about? Disappointment, yes but anger? Not at all. Just because it's a lower score doesn't mean I am pissed haha

I agree completely. I was referring to people's angry responses, not the review itself :)

[jkellz]

Offspring was my first punk love, so needless to say Im a loooong time fan.

Was the album good or bad IMO? Who cares !?!? Its OFFSPRING! i just fucking love those guys. lol

But if was to criticize, I must say I was a bit surprised that the album was 5 years in the making. I found that "Stuff is Messed Up" sounded frighteningly like the beginning of Green Day's "Longview" (for the first 5 seconds at least).... the beginning of "Fix You" like GD's "Wake Me Up when Sept Ends" ...blended into the melody of their "denial, revisited". But I mean nowadays, its hard to write a song that doesn't have elements that "sound like something/someone else" .

On the good side, it stays Offspring in the sense that I can still listen to it over and over, even in 2-3, or even 10 yrs from now. Their first 4 tracks sound like good'Ol Offspring to me, and I really enjoyed "Your Gonna Go far Kid" and "Hammerhead" is a great single for the CD. Dexter Holland has a knack for writing lyrics that stay simple and in your face, all while being witty and carry a message.

So overall, I enjoyed it, purchased it on Itunes, but their are some songs which I would skip.

The review was a bit harsh at times, but was pretty spot on.

[Goatboy]

It's really, really bad. I downloaded it to listen and deleted it so I never hear it again, even accidentally.

The band's talents were always one-dimensional, concerning moderately-paced poppy hardcore. They peaked at that about ten years ago and we don't need to hear any more; that means the album's interest leans entirely on experimentation, and we have two possible avenues:

1. Ripping off the superficial veneer of My Chem and other shit "emo", hence the black and red album cover with hearts and other bullshit, preposterous album name and a few whinier sounding tunes. Fails because it's just poor taste.

2. Alternative rock (in the Coldplay sense.) Fails because a hundred bands do this better, and Dexter Holland cannot really sing.

They sound like desperate old men.

[kcpunk]

not their best but better than their last one before this, splinter. hoping for something better next year.

[Chris Fallon]

Funny, over a year later and I like this more than I did before. Still not my favorite and I still dislike Rock's production, but I would rate it higher now.

[jkellz]

Funny, over a year later and I like this more than I did before. Still not my favorite and I still dislike Rock's production, but I would rate it higher now.
I think when you listen to a new album, particularly from an artist of band you like, you critical mind is in the forefront and waiting to find something negative about it, cuz you dont want it to disappoint. That's how I felt about many albums, including Green Day's recent 21st century Breakdown, Linkin Park's last album, and countless more. I like all these albums more now that i've been through them a few times.

[AWilhelmPetter]

First time I actually bothered listening to this record was today. I used to love the Offspring when I was younger, and it is thanks to them and Holland's Nitro Records that my favourite band is now A Wilhelm Scream and that I like the music I like at this date, but I gave up on them after Splinter, which in hindsight had only two or three decent songs on it. When it was released, I was only 12 and still though it was the best shit in the world. Sometime between Spliter and this record I grew out of that Offspring stage and I must say that this album is complete crap. It's like a mix of a crappy alternative rock band, Offspring and Green Day. What the fuck is up the up- and downstoke 3 powerchord structures? This is by far the worst Offspring release to date. Ignition, Smash and Ixnay are still decent albums in my book, but fuck me these dudes have lost it big time with this one.

[Tdelonge88]

This album has been unfairly criticised in my opinion... I've been a huge fan of this band since "Smash" but have to admit i didn't overly rate "Hombre"... They have always been a band quite capable of pumping out albums with a handfull, if not more of really really good songs... There are so many good songs on Rise And Fall, Rage And Grace! "Alot Like Me", "Fix You" and "Rise And Fall" aren't bad songs and would be walk up starters on nearly any other record but the rest of the songs are SO good it's crazy... "You're Gonna Go Far, Kid", "Hammerhead", "Kristy, Are You Doing Ok?", "Takes Me Nowhere", "Stuff Is Messed Up" and probably my favourite Offspring song "Nothingtown" are absolute kick arse songs...